Things To Do In Whistler

Whistler gained more prominence when the Winter Olympics 2010 chose this British Columbia city as its official venue. Since then, it has become an Olympic symbol that is worth knowing in Canada. It has an excellent tourism infrastructure and interesting attractions that meets tourist’s expectations worldwide. Whistler is a great place to visit; everything is close and beautiful, especially with snow! Whistler has one of the best ski resorts in Canada and North America; it is not only spectacular and beautifully set in a valley with majestic mountains all around with lots of ski resorts and great accommodations along the villages, it is within walking distance to everything, whether you need to shop, dine, ski, tour, Zip Line, wedge raft, bungee jump, or simply unwind, everything is pretty much easily accessible.

You can bring your family, kids, or travel as a couple, enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking and all of the adventurous things! It is not surprising that Whistler will keep attracting travelers from all over the world because it is not only stunning and ideal; it has managed to remain affordable and accommodating despite its renowned popularity as the number one skiing holiday destination in Canada.

When To Go:

Since this is a top ski holiday destination in Canada, the best time to visit Whistler City is during the winter season, which starts from the months of December until March. It is around this time when the mountains and resorts are all covered with snow and all resorts are teeming with backpackers and ski enthusiasts from all over the world. Winter sports activities are offered anywhere around Whistler during these peak season months like; snowmobile, bobsledding, and snowshoeing. It is advisable to book all accommodations, flights, and tour packages a few months in advance. It is also strongly suggested to pack an extra suitcase for sweaters and thick jackets to endure the 30s to 40s freezing temperature.

The other ideal months to visit the ski city are from June to September. These are the summer months and when it is most ideal to explore the beach, water sports, and discover the natural beauty of the Lost Lake. The humidity is tolerable even with so much bright sunny days all around in a temperature that ranges from a high of 50s to 70s. Bring your sun block creams, caps, shades, and wide brimmed hats to enjoy the warm season.

The peak season for tourism intensifies during the months of June and July. Hikers and campers converge around the Blackcomb Mountain for annual events, and winter sports activities (snow mobile. The fall months start from April until May. It is also the best time to witness festive celebrations all around the city. The moderate temperature experienced during these months also make it an ideal time to explore extreme sports adventures like; bungee jumping, sky diving, water tubing, and rugged mountain biking. Whistler City is one of the cities in Canada that is ideal to visit anytime of the year, the weather guide (by months) is shared here to help you decide what to expect and what you need to pack to enjoy your holiday in Whistler City.

These are the major attractions and things to do in Whistler City…

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

To see Whistler from above, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is certainly the best option. The efficient and fast service gives an overview of the site and gives a clear view of the upper part of the city where the lifts go up to the mountains. It really is a unique experience, very safe, and upstairs has all the structures where guests can eat, drink wine (single), and shop for beer at the huge terrace. Even in the middle of July, it is refreshing and has hints of snow on the mountain peaks. The second gondola connects Whistler-Blackcomb mountains on a ride that lasts for more than 15 minutes. For those who do not like to get the cold wind on their faces, the gondola ride is highly recommended instead of the lift which is cooler and also with a little more excitement.

This is the facility that has established nine records or recognitions as the best cable ride in Canada. Needless to say that this is one of the best experiences you need to do in Whistler. Ticket for the P2P is included in the ticket of the plants and if you climb on top of the Garbanzo, the cable ride is accessed freely through P2P. The feeling is that of being suspended in the air much more than with a regular cable car, an experience reminiscent of the Mont Blanc cable car from Chamonix. The lowest point in the valley is at an altitude of 350 meters, and once you are on the side of Blackcomb, it is easy to access the Whistler Mountain where you can make several excursions and find several restaurants even at a high altitude. The entire journey takes about 30 minutes and it's all worth it.

Whistler Olympic Park

The Whistler Olympic Park is a must-visit for lovers of the sport. It is well structured and properly maintained up to this day. For those who enjoy skiing, it is super recommended. It is the central part of the city that is full of hotels, resorts, ski chalets, restaurants and other main attractions. It was designed for the Winter Olympics in 2010 that Canada hosted. Inside the park the charm of the place is amazing, there is a special atmosphere and the feeling that you are participating in something great persists anywhere you go around this famous tourist spot in Whistler. It is beautiful even in summer or without the snow. This is an excellent place for beginners who are learning how to ski because; the tracks are short and have cheap ski lifts if you don’t like climbing over the mountains or if you have heavy ski equipments.

For professional skiers, it is a paradise in the icy mountains of British Columbia. The tour begins upon the ascent of the mountain, where you can already admire the panoramic scenes. You will arrive at the main square called the "Olympic Park". It is cute, all neatly landscaped, and everything is clean. It has shops, places to eat, resorts to rest, or observation decks where you can stare at the glaciers located high in the hills. The bravest can take a gondola and go all the way up to see from above. When in Whistler, a visit to this park is mandatory.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the most complete bike park in the world with trails of all levels and a plot that is unbelievable in terms of variety. The local trail builders are the real geniuses behind its tracking obstacles and it's perhaps the only place where any rider of any level can have fun for days. If you’re an eager spectator or a great fan of cutting edge mountain bike riding, you’ll find it fascinating to see riders going downhill along the ramps at an absurd speed.

It is pure adrenaline at its finest and a must for those who like to ride a bike and enjoy the extreme adventure along the rugged parts of the Whistler Mountain. It is no wonder that Whistler is renowned for, well beyond being a beautiful resort town during the winter season, but also a famous and excellent destination for mountain-bike lovers.

Lost Lake

The Lost Lake is a main tourist attraction in Whistler that is surrounded by cypress trees and mountains with snow on the summit. It is close to the city and easily accessible by bus. The region of Whistler is well known because of the ski slopes and the Olympic Village. It is an eye catching lake equipped with good trails that give access to this gorgeous spot with tables and wooden benches, toilets, and a tourist information center. It is located close to the Olympic Village with lots of places to barbecue and picnic spaces to spend a wonderful afternoon. It is a very pleasant place with lovely flowers lining its path. There is access to the lake that looks like a bay with sand, and you can do various activities both on the sand and in the water.

You can start a bike ride or prefer to walk. If you choose to bike you have the option to rent there, for a small fee of between $12 for one hour until all day for $50. You can cross it on foot or go biking along the lakeside trails. The tour is 1 km to reach the famous lake. Then you can follow the trail along the shore or go down a path where bikes and pedestrians share the trail to reach the Lost Lake. It is a good place to relax with friends, make great photography about nature, and engage in physical activities.

Superfly Ziplines

If you’re in Whistler and you want something more adventurous than to ski in the slopes or ride the nerve wracking cable car in the mountain, this activity is an absolute must! You will feel the adrenaline flowing freely in your veins.

The experience is extraordinary, the view is breathtaking, and the professional guides make the adventure truly exceptional. The guides are very nice and the type of harness used for the Zip Lines is very comfortable, ensuring the safety and making the participant enjoy the trip to the fullest. In summer, the Superfly Ziplines is an activity that cannot be missed when in Whistler City.

Whistler Blackcomb

The Whistler Blackcomb is a summit that offer skiing, BMX trails, and trekking activities. Whether you are travelling in winter or summer (skiing is possible at 2200 meters even from the top of the glacier), access is made possible in two ways: by gondolas or chairlifts. The mountains are exceptional and the lifts are extremely fast. It is also surprising how the mountains are easily accessible up to the glacier point of the summits.

The maintenance of the tracks is extraordinary no matter what the climate conditions are. The views are breathtaking, and it is highly recommended to get a ticket for lunch at the top that allows you to enjoy the slopes first before the crowds arrive on the mountain. Finally, reaching the Olympic Village is really great. It is a warm place with lots of shops, restaurants and attractions to suit all tastes and ages.

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center is a place full of history and original crafts. In this cultural center, you will know the history of the indigenous people living for centuries in the British Columbia. The local craft store is a real gem and you can buy authentic crafts from the region at reasonable prices.

For lovers of the Indian culture or curious about the Whistler's cultural background, you will learn the customs and traditions of the First Nations who have lived and still live in the region. You can wander around on your own or join a free guided tour, watch a short video, and then buy Indian crafts in the gift shop. A small café is also available. This center is fully recommended and a visit means a support to the local indigenous people of Whistler.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

The Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a nice stop on the way from the coast to Whistler City. You can stroll through the woods, go over a railway and along a river to the viewpoint near this beautiful waterfall. The access path takes about 10 minutes to accomplish. You cross the first bridge over the Brandywine Creek and turn right. The trail leads along the creek, then you cross rails.

From a viewing platform you have a beautiful view of the waterfall that plunges 70 meters into the depths. The Brandywine Falls is truly worth seeing when in Whistler. You can see the rushing water from a viewing platform, which is directly above the canyon and you have a hell of a view of the waterfall and the valley that lies deep under. A little further on the path you have another great view, this time in the south with Daisy Lake.

Alexander Falls

From the parking lot near the entrance road to Olympic Park, the Alexander Falls is easily accessible on foot. The fall is impressive and there are always crowds of tourists who climb the 250 meter trail to reach the top. The huge liquid mass causes a vapor cloud of water, making the temperature drop a few degrees for a moment. It is a breathtaking spectacle and a must see natural attraction in Whistler City.

The trail to get to the waterfall is very peaceful and really worth it. It is wonderful to see and take pictures of this landscape. The cascading noise of the water is unique as well as the composition of this place. Along the way, you can see families or a group of friends having a delicious picnic. The place is also a great way to teach kids how to love and respect nature.

The Whistler Train Wreck

The Whistler Train Wreck can be considered a medium grade track, but the signage is not legible and somewhat difficult to find. Be that as it may, the look is compensatory and the trail is not hard to manage. This easy hiking trail takes you through the ancient forest and along the rushing river. There are incredibly beautiful views of the tall trees and the turquoise water in the river.

Once you arrive at the train cars, you can stroll around a long time and read the graffiti art (some are very good!). There will also be an exciting contrast between the rusty metal and greenery all around. The trail goes along a few times and you should pay attention because the tracks are used and quite confusing, be extra careful and come with a tour guide who is more familiar with the trail.

Rainbow Park

This popular park in Upper Lake has it all: a sandy beach, charming dock, and great facilities. The Rainbow Park is fully accessible and well used by locals and visitors in Whistler. Enjoy spectacular views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, swimming in the lake Alta, relax on the lawn, go to the dog park, play beach volleyball and more. It is a quiet and relaxing park with great views of the snowy mountains and where it is possible to cross the trails with a bicycle.

Whistler is an ideal holiday destination because; as far as ski holiday destination villages go, prices of the food in the restaurants and shops are not over the top, and it has managed to remain fair and comparable just like the other major cities in Canada. During the day, it looks captivating with the ski runs and sight of tourists and locals walking around with their ski equipments and engaged in all the ski activities. By night, the entire Whistler Village Park comes alive and it is simply breathtaking! You’ll feel like you’re in some kind of a fairy tale scene. You’ll see the Olympic logo all lighted up, and all the Christmas lights illuminating the park. In addition, the serenity of the place is impressive despite having a huge number of crowds. As long as great deals happen, Whistler is going to be the choice for Canadians and foreign travelers when it comes to ideal ski holiday destinations.

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